So, by now we’ve all made it through the first week of “imposed” homeschooling. How was it for you? What did you end up learning?
For those with multiple children, I am sure you’ve expereinced the complexity of a true teacher–tailoring to students with multiple or varying abilities.
As such, I learned that it can be difficult to tailor real life to a proposed schedule. Life happens! No where in the schedule does it account for cleaning up food fights in your home’s “cafeteria” or refereeing when two (or more) students get into a seemingly-senseless fight.
Due to “student needs” and added consideration of the “whole-child” when it comes to each of my learners, I have shifted the previously created schedule to instead thrive off more of a selection of sources pertinent to each subject that I have the kids choose from.
For their convenience (and, I’ll admit, mine too) I’ve even bookmarked to their devices the resources they can choose from: When they click reading, they then simply navigate to the horizontal favorites bar and choose one of the reading sources I saved for them in that particular bookmark folder.
I also allow my littler learners (preK – 3rd grade) more opportunities to debrief and relax. For my middle child, for example, frequent recess breaks are necessary. When I was trying to stick to the schedule (like glue), I’ll admit, it was bothering me. However, I’ve been reminded that certain learners actually work harder and absorb more when allowed the accommodations they need in order to function.
Sure, this international crisis notoriously known as the “Coronademic” has forced onto us the need to transform our homes into schools. Just remember, they were homes first.
So, as you continue along this journey, allow your self grace.
Remember, learning is everlasting and ongoing. There’s so much you can incorporate it into, even independent of the sources brought to your attention.
Tell ya what: Use what you can, and ignore what you can’t–we’re all just giving it our best!
Echoes of Excellence! 